Drexel University will celebrate the virtual opening of its new Center for Black Culture Nov. 12, with a "Virtual Kickback" to welcome Black students, faculty, professional staff, alumni and allies. The Center will serve as a resource for the University community to gain a greater understanding of the Black experience and support a welcoming and wholly inclusive campus environment.
The opening event, set for 5-6:30 p.m., will include Verzuz battles with music from the 90’s and 2000’s, a game of Quizzo, “Black Culture Edition,” giveaways and virtual appearances by President John Fry and the Drexel Men’s Basketball Team. The event will close with a virtual tour of the Center, housed in the newly renovated first floor of the Rush Building at 33rd Street and Lancaster Walk.
The Center for Black Culture was established to increase knowledge, recognition and respect of the people, histories and cultures of the African diaspora and its many contributions to the world, and to serve as a hub of information and activity.
“Launching our new Center for Black Culture is an important milestone for Drexel," said Drexel University President John Fry. "At a moment when our nation is having a long overdue reckoning with the enduring inequality rooted in a long history of racial injustice, it's critical for our own campus community to have a welcoming space for greater understanding, conversation, creativity, and active engagement. This Center is one of many substantive steps we are taking to build a more diverse and inclusive Drexel, and we look forward to the unique role it will be able play in elevating and celebrating the extraordinary impact of Black culture in our campus and our city, our nation and the world."
Interim Center for Black Culture Director Shardé Johnson said she and the Center’s Advisory Board will develop year-round events and programming.
“We’re excited to provide a destination that creates a sense of belonging for Black students, faculty and professional staff, and a resource for the whole Drexel Community to develop a more comprehensive view of race,” Johnson said.
Members of the Drexel community interested in participating in the "Virtual Kickback" can register for the event Zoom via this Google doc. The University will officially celebrate the opening of the Center for Black Culture with an in-person ribbon-cutting ceremony in the upcoming months.